correctly reading an analog state of charge meter

[shaferz]

Purchased a cart a few weeks ago that has an analog SOC meter. A tad bit confused on how to 'read' it.

After charging, the meter is reading about halfway into the "CHG" area.

While under load driving, the meter drops into the 'green area.'

How low should I realistically let it go before deciding that I need to charge? I do not want to destroy this new(ish) set of batteries. If I wait until the meter drops down to the red on the left side of the gauge... have I waited too long?

My meter looks like this one...


Thanks!

[scottyb]

The meter should be read while under load. While driving look at the gauge. Push your foot to the floor and notice how far down the needle goes. This is best if you can do it going up a hill, if the needle goes into the red it is time to recharge. When the cart is fully charged go back to the same hill and check the meter under load again... now you have a base for reading..... I hope this helps.

[kab69440]

My meter reads the same way. When the needle hits the green at rest, I average 36.75 volts. Use a digital multimeter to confirm the readout so as not to over-draw your batteries. Remember, NEVER discharge below 36.5v .

[JohnnieB]

Two questions here. How to read the gauge and when to charge the batteries.

How to read gauge already answered by scottyb and kab69440.

When to charge batteries:
Flooded wet cell Lead-Acid batteries do not he a memory, so they do not need to be deeply discharged before recharging.
Charge them as often as possible and/or practical.
If cart has been driven for 15 minutes - charge it.
If cart has been drive a thousand yards - charge it.
If cart has sat for more than a week - charge it.

Overcharging is when charging current continues to flow through a battery after Specific Gravity of electrolyte ceases to increase.
Daily charging with an automatic type Golf Cart battery charger, will not overcharge a Golf Cart battery pack.

In a nutshell. The higher average State of Charge you keep your batteries at - the longer they will last.